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Is it me? Will I ever be satisfied?

As we have become empty nesters, we put together or are putting together a nice dedicated two channel system consisting of B&W 804 D3, Levinson No. 333 ( this is an older amp 20+ years old), McIntosh C22 (just purchased) in which I have already upgraded the tubes, Linn Lp12 TT, Blue Sound for streaming.  I am using Transparent balanced cables and Transparent speaker cables - not sure of the exact model, but all Transparent cables are close to 20 years old as well.

My questions, while I think the system sounds good - even really good.  I don't think it sounds great.  I recently purchased the C22 to be used with the No. 333 which I replaced a McIntosh MA252, which i really like and use in another system, it didn't have enough power.  My room is our garage which we converted to a playroom years ago.  It is approximately 25' and 20' wide.  We sit about 12' from the speakers which are at one end of the room .. While I realize that this hobby or lifestyle can be never ending....  I am considering upgrading the cables next and last but not least, add a new Amp, McIntosh MC462 or MC312.

Wanted to get some feedback, thoughts, in site, advice what you experience, am I missing anything?  Thanks

goducks44
toddalin's avatar
toddalin
237 posts
 

 

Is it me? Will I ever be satisfied?

Maybe not. But even if you do get things sorted out, maybe not.

Some people are just of the mentality that it could sound just that much better if I could just...

But the reality is that no matter how good the system sounds, the source is typically flawed in some way or other, and while one track may sound exactly as you think it should, another will not and you don’t know which to judge the system from.

I go through this all the time with crossover modifications.

immatthewj
1,886 posts
 

I Ain’t Ever Satisfied

Steve Earle And the Dukes/Exit 0

kerrybh
141 posts
 

You have received a lot of good advice, although if you take all of it you’ll have to start over. I would go slow. I would start with speaker placement and modest room treatments- I don’t think you have to rebuild the room to get decent improvement. Then I would consider what you think you are missing and how you can get there- starting with speakers. You have great speakers IF you like the B&W sound, as many do. If the speakers are not voiced to your taste, however, you are not likely to ever be satisfied and I’d make sure you have that right first

if you do, the most obvious component upgrade is your DAC. Listen to as many as you can and go from there- with what you like. Be careful of well intentioned advice because components or brands that someone else chose may be perfect for them but not be at all for you. Take advantage of having a good dealer nearby

dont expect too much as you make changes, especially after speakerd

most improvement is incremental not a sea change at least in my experience. 

good luck and enjoy

limomangus's avatar
limomangus
1,426 posts
 

You will probably never be happy....but try...hard to just enjoy the music.

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